Mexico cruise stops are suddenly scrapped as safety concerns continue in region

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Cruise passengers who have booked voyages with stops inPuerto Vallarta, Mexico,may see their ships diverted this week due to a wave of violence ushered in by the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.”

Safety concerns rattled cruise passengers after the U.S.government issued Mexico security warnings on Sunday, Feb.22.Puerto Vallarta was of particular concern to cruise ship operators.

AFeb.24 security alertindicated that shelter-in-place orders have now been lifted in cities including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum, Tijuana and Puerto Vallarta.

Mexico is still at alevel 2 travel advisory, according to the State Department — whose guidance is that Americans use increased caution.

Flights have resumed in Guadalajara, and flights are planned for Puerto Vallarta’s airport.

Cruise companies planning to go to Puerto Vallarta canceled the stop

Safety concerns rattled many cruise passengers after Mexico’s security warnings on Sunday, Feb.22. (Marte Rebollar/ AFP)

Nevertheless, Royal Princess and Holland America Zuiderdam ships bypassed Puerto Vallarta on Monday.

“Our other Mexico sailings continue operating as planned,�

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Holland America Zuiderdam also canceled its visit to Puerto Vallarta this week.

“OurMexico sailingsare otherwise operating as planned.If itineraries are updated, we will directly notify affected guests and their travel advisors,�

Puerto Vallarta ports of call stops canceled

Earlier, the U.S.State Department had broadened its alert to include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum, Tijuana and Puerto Vallarta.(Jeff Greenberg/ Universal Images Group )

Norwegian Cruise Line said the Norwegian Blisswill also be diverted— not stopping in Puerto Vallarta this week.

“The safety and well-being of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are always a top priority,�

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“Due to ongoing security operations and the recent U.S.travel warning issued for select areas in Mexico, Norwegian Bliss’ scheduled call to Puerto Vallarta on Feb.25, 2026, has been canceled.”

“We are closely monitoring the ongoing situation,” the statement continued, “and any additional itinerary updates … will be communicated directly with impacted guests.”

Travelers say Puerto Vallarta looks like war on the streets

Some parts of Puerto Vallarta felt like “a war breaking out in the streets,” according to some witnesses in the area last weekend.(Hector Guerrero/ AFP)

The Norwegian Bliss runs Mexico itineraries out ofLos Angelesin the winter, and had already departed when the captain made an announcement.

Passengers on the cruisefrom Los Angeles said the captain announced the itinerary change during their trip Sunday.

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“MSC Cruises’ sailings to Cozumel and Costa Maya are operating as planned,�

Shore excursions may be adjusted or canceled.

Cozumel not on high alert like Puerto Vallarta

“MSC Cruises’ sailings to Cozumel and Costa Maya are operating as planned,” the company said.(Jeffrey Greenberg/ Universal Images Group)

“We remain in close contact with the relevant authorities and continuously monitor any developments,” MSC Cruises’ statement continued.

according to CNBC.

Burned-out buses are seen in Puerto Vallarta.(Arturo Montero/ AFP via Getty Images)

The State Department has received hundreds of calls on its crisis hotline as Americans in Mexico scramble to find ways home.

Jalisco New Generation cartel leaderNemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes was killed.

As airlines canceled flights,stranded visitors reported carsablaze, suspected cartel members blocking roads, and stores ransacked by looters.

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com/category/travel/vacation-destinations/puerto-vallarta" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Puerto Vallartafeel like “a war breaking out in the streets.”